Mucciolo: Lewis Bay set for Grade 1 breakthrough in Test

A fine 11-race card is set as Saratoga offers another big Saturday of racing, with the $1.25 million Whitney H. (G1) and Met Mile (G1) romper Frosted leading the way. However, my focus is two races earlier in the Test S. (G1), a seven-furlong affair on the dirt for sophomore fillies. And I think it’s time for LEWIS BAY to get her Grade 1 trophy.

Trained by Chad Brown, the well-bred daughter of Bernardini out of the classy Summer Raven has been as consistent as they come in compiling a 7-3-3-1 mark while facing the best of her generation. The Kentucky-bred bay is a dual Grade 2 heroine with versatility and appears set to run her best race to date while going the second time off the layoff and route-to-sprint for a conditioner who really excels at the move (44% win).

Lewis Bay posted a strong third in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) field two back despite a less-than-favorable trip. And she finished a clear second in the Mother Goose (G1) last out despite stumbling badly at the start. The latter should serve as an ideal prep run for this affair and a recent :48 half-mile drill suggests she will be comfortable at The Spa.

The stalker possesses the early foot to keep pace from the outset and I envision Lewis Bay tracking while in range behind a sensible pace before inching clear late with Irad Ortiz, who is riding so well at the moment with 19 wins entering Friday’s program. Note that Lewis Bay is also a daylight winner in her lone previous try at the seven-furlong distance.

She will likely be a decent price as well in a well-matched and talented field, and I’ll take a stand with Lewis Bay as a nice single for the multi-race wagers.

Lewis Bay photo courtesy of Adam Coglianese Photography